LA Galaxy close out preseason with 2-1 win over UCLA in Carson

CARSON, Calif. – Goals
from Juninho and Landon Donovan on either side of halftime gave the LA Galaxy a
2-1 win over UCLA in their final preseason game of the year at The Home Depot
Center.

Fielding a nearly full strength
squad, the Galaxy controlled the first half, maintaining possession and
limiting UCLA’s chances in the opening 15 minutes. LA’s first serious chance
came in the 15th minute when Juan Pablo Angel headed a David Beckham
corner kick off the crossbar. The ball bounced straight down, but did not go
over the line and was cleared from danger, keeping the game scoreless.

It would stay that way for just
seven more minutes until Juninho opened the scoring. The second-year Brazilian
midfielder hit a low, right-footed shot through a maze of bodies, beating the
UCLA keeper just inside his right post, putting the Galaxy in front 1-0.

Angel nearly doubled the lead just
three minutes later, only to see his shot from a tight angle strike the outside
of the post and deflecting out of bounds for a goal kick.

Bruce Arena named an unchanged side
at the start of the second half and just five minutes after the restart, his
team was up 2-0. Angel collected the ball 35 yards from goal and quickly played
the ball to Chad Barrett at the top of the box. Barrett settled the pass and
played a ball into the path of Landon Donovan inside the penalty area on the
left. Donovan cut in on his right foot and dribbled between two defenders
before rolling a right-footed shot inside the far post for a 2-0 lead.

WATCH: Donovan and Juninho both score goals in win

LA’s two-goal lead was short-lived
as the Bruins cut the lead to 2-1 five minutes later as a loose ball fell to
one of the UCLA forwards at the top of the box and he beat Josh Saunders from
16 yards out.

Ten minutes after their goal, the
Bruins nearly got an equalizer. Josh Saunders parried a long range shot and the
Bruins were the first to get to the rebound, only to see the follow up shot hit
Saunders’ left post before A.J. DeLaGarza was able to clear the ball from
danger.

Second half substitutes Frankie
Hejduk and Miguel Lopez each tested the UCLA defense in the game’s final 15
minutes, but neither could extend the Galaxy lead before the final whistle.

Join the Galaxy as they Countdown to Kickoff with a
series of events and appearances for fans in the community. Galaxy
players, staff, Miss LA Galaxy Court members and Galaxy Street Team
will be active throughout the week engaging with fans, the public and
media in order to thank them for their support and to raise awareness
for the start of the 2011 MLS season. For the full schedule and and
opportunities to meet the Galaxy players, visit www.lagalaxy.com/caravan.

Take
your photo with the 2010 Supporters' Shield and 2009 Western
Conference Championship Trophy on Tuesday, March 15 at Ye Olde King's
Head before your LA Galaxy face the Seattle Sounders in MLS First Kick
2011 at 6:30 p.m. PT on ESPN/Deportes. Plus, opportunities to win
tickets to the Galaxy home opener as well as an autographed jersey! MORE INFO

On
Sunday, March 20, the Galaxy will host the New England Revolution in
their home opener, presented by Pechanga Resort & Casino, at 5
p.m. at The Home Depot Center. The first 15,000 fans will receive 2011
magnet schedules. Tickets are available for that match, starting at
25. BUY NOW